Tag Archives: black diamond climbing gear

Indoor ice climbing is a great way to get the feel of climbing in ice and the equipment needed for a safe climb. Whether you live in a climate that doesn’t allow for ice climbing or if you want to just try it, here is a list of places that offer that experience.

1. The Ice Factor – The Ice Factor is the world’s biggest indoor climbing arena. It is located in Scotland and has over 15,000 square feet of climbing courses.

2. O2 World – While Ice Factor is the biggest; O2 is the tallest at 60 feet. This facility is located in South Korea.

3. The North Face Ice Wall – It is a steep 8-meter ice climbing wall and is conveniently located inside the North Face store in Manchester, UK where you can buy all your Black Diamond climbing gear, plus any other ice climbing equipment you may need.

4. CityROCK – This Colorado gym doesn’t have an actual wall, but they do have a dry tool course.

5. Stone Gardens – Stone Gardens has 2 locations in Washington, but only the one in Seattle has a dry tool course. This gym has classes for the beginners, classes to become trainers, and classes to take to certify you if you want to belay with a mountain climbing rope.

6. Stone Age Rock Gym – This gym, which is located in Maine, does not have an actual indoor ice wall. However, this gym is using a new product called Ice Holdz that simulates ice climbing. An Ice Holdz can be struck numerous times with many ice axes without sustaining any damage.

7. Colorado Mountain College – This college has a rock climbing and a wall for ice climbing. But, it is for the students use only.

8. Club d’escalade de Saint-Boniface – This club is located in Alberta Canada and has both types of walls. They allow members and nonmembers to use it.

9. Rock Town Gym – This gym is located in Oklahoma City and has both an outdoor and indoor ice climbing wall. They also have summer camps for the children.

10. Higher Ground – This is located in Michigan and has all your climbing rental needs. Plus, the have a climbing club specifically for the kids.

Those are just a few of the indoor ice climbing facilities. Check out this website for more places to visit: http://www.indoorclimbing.com/iceclimbing.html

There are a couple different Black Diamond climbing harnesses on the market today. But, for simplicity sake, we’re only going to look at the Black Diamond Momentum, Black Diamond Chaos, and the Black Diamond Ozone within the Black Diamond climbing harness family. There is a Black Diamond Momentum AL package that is an all in one climbing harness and comes with a belay device, biner, and chalk bag for a reasonable price at $80. There are also women’s Black Diamond climbing gear, but again for simplicity sake, we’re only going to review the three mentioned above.

Pros for the Black Diamond Climbing Harness

Affordability – Depending on which model you want, the average costs range from $40-$125.

Comfort – The leg straps and belt are easily adjustable on some models, and since it isn’t made for ice climbing, there isn’t a need for the hook that normally comes with an ice climbing harness.

Gear loops break – The gear loops in the chaos model can break more easily than the other models.

Belay loop – There isn’t a belay loop in some models.

Climbing webbing - There is some talk of the webbing on the Momentum model looking dowdy.

All in all though, there is something to dislike about each of these harnesses used as rock climbing equipment. But the majority of rock climbers agree that the Black Diamond Momentum harness is the best deal.

Where To Buy These Harnesses

Amazon and an online store called Moosejaw have the best reviews when it comes to buying equipment for rock climbing. However, you can also find these harnesses at their website.

For more information about all types of Black Diamond equipment, check out their website at www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

For ice climbing enthusiasts, Ouray ice climbing is one of the best destinations to visit as they offer some of the best walls to climb. Additionally, they host an annual ice festival where climbers, experts and ice climbing gear manufacturers meet.

If you want to attend the festival, here some tips to get the most out of Ouray ice climbing.

You’ll want to start by packing the proper ice climbing equipment. This will ensure you receive the best experience if you want to try their walls. If you are looking to buy items a good brand to check out is Black Diamond. Black Diamond climbing gear has an excellent assortment of items such as mountain climbing rope and items for indoor ice climbing.

When planning, be sure to check out the festival’s website. They have many tips for first time visitors and they offer incentives for those looking for lodging. You can also find out what events will take place on the days you attend. By planning ahead, it can make the experience less overwhelming for you.

When attending the festival, make sure to visit all around the park as there are events both in the park and out. They feature many gear expos, which is a great way to learn more about the advances in climbing equipment. Another great aspect of their expos is they have equipment presentations for both indoor and outdoor gear.

Along with expos, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Ouray ice climbing first hand. They have free climbs for both adults and children, so everyone in the family can enjoy Ouray ice climbing.

Additionally, there will be many other attractions to visit. This includes evening concerts and presentations by experts in the field of ice climbing. Both are a great way to meet other climbing enthusiasts and enjoy some adult beverages in a festive setting.

Ultimately, this festival has something for everyone in your family. By attending, you can learn more about the advances in climbing gear, climb a trail, take in a presentation and just enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Whether you are looking to climb an indoor wall or scale a high peak, you need great quality gear. This will help you accomplish your goals.

To pick out the best equipment you’ll want to go with a brand that is an industry leader. This ensures you will receive the best quality equipment, which can protect you when you go climbing.

One of the best brands to go with is Black Diamond. Black Diamond climbing gear features an array of items you can buy for your climb. They have a great selection of rock climbing equipment such as crampons, helmets, climbing gloves and climbing packs.

What separates them from the rest of the pack is their selection and quality. They have gear suitable for any climbing environment you may come across.

For those scaling icy slopes, you’ll find Black Diamond climbing gear right for your trip. This includes technical ice tools like the Viper Ice Tool. It has a hydroformed shaft, which is light in weight and provides superior strength. This is the perfect piece of ice climbing equipment to take with you.

They also have indoor rock climbing gear like their Black Diamond climbing harness. Also, their Easy Rider Ferrata Set is easy to use and delivers an energy absorption system that helps reduce the load effect if you were to fall.

While their items are expensive, they are well worth the price. Their tools and gear are top of the line quality, and their designs were made with the climber in mind. This means you’ll receive the best protection and cool features made to make your climb easier.

If you are interested in purchasing Black Diamond climbing gear, make sure to stop by their website. On there, they have all their gear and videos showing their equipment in action. You can also find a dealer that carries their brand near you.

When factored altogether, Black Diamond climbing gear is one of the best brands available. They have an excellent selection of tools, which is perfect for the different terrains you’ll come across. Further, with quality construction and innovative features, you’ll find their brand to be the best equipment to take with you on your climb.

1. Backpack - Any rock climbing gear list should include a quality backpack, one that can carry all of your equipment and accessories without ripping or being uncomfortable. The backpack should have a heavy weight rating.

2. Climbing Harness - Whether you are gathering indoor rock climbing gear or plan to climb outdoors you will always need a climbing harness to protect you in case you lose your grip. A harness can prevent accidents and injuries.

3. Carabiners - Carabiners are standard rock climbing equipment, and you should include extras just in case you need them later on. Include both locking and other types of carabiners so you are prepared for any climbing situation.

4. Helmet - A helmet should always be included in your rock climbing gear, to protect your head from any falling hazards and prevent any head injuries.

5. Belay Device - A belay device should never be left behind, and black diamond climbing gear offers many options for this equipment. This device will help you belay safely, and there are models which are self braking in case you start to descend too quickly.

6. Climbing Pack - A climbing pack will sit inside your backpack, and can hold equipment that you need to find quickly while climbing such as climbing chalk and carabiners.

7. Clothing of varying weights for layering- Appropriate clothing should be considered essential rock climbing gear, and you should make sure that you have clothing that can be layered and will keep you comfortable while climbing.

8. Rock Climbing Shoes - Climbing shoes are very important, because they will help you grip even the slickest of surfaces and allow you to climb easier and safer.

9. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen - Do not forget the rock climbing gear which will protect you from the sun, and from any glare that interferes with your vision.

10. Climbing Ropes - Climbing ropes are essential to climbing, and you should make sure that the ropes you have are appropriate in weight and length for the climbs you will be making.